Weekday Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Monday, November 24th through Thursday, November 27th

Thanksgiving week has arrived in Middle Georgia, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday, enjoy live music, and spend time with family and/or friends. Whether you are looking to kick off the holidays by choosing a fresh Christmas tree, aiming to burn off some pre-dinner calories at a Turkey Trot race, or seeking a spot to unwind with live music after the big feast, there is something for everyone this week. The following events are just a few of the interesting ways to adventure this Monday through Thursday in the heart of Georgia.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences' Festival of Trees is on display until January 2026 (Photographer Nate Weeks)

MONDAY, November 24th

Christmas Tree Opening Day at Skipper Family Farms (2-6 p.m.)

Kick off the holiday season by picking out the perfect tree at Skipper Family Farms this Monday. This event makes for a great outing for the whole family, featuring free hayrides and s'mores. Skipper Family Farm's Christmas Tree Opening Day is free to attend.

    > Skipper Family Farms: 4164 Jones Road, Macon

MUSIC: Mercer University Wind Ensemble presents "Voices" at The Piedmont Grand Opera House (7:30 p.m.)

The Mercer University Wind Ensemble is heading to Macon's historic Grand Opera House for a stunning concert performance featuring James Stephenson's Symphony No. 2, "Voices," a unique composition designed as a concerto for wind ensemble and mezzo-soprano. The performance features soloist Samantha Mishima Friedman and is conducted by Brittan Braddock. Tickets to "Voices" are $10 online at this link or free with student ID.

    > The Piedmont Grand Opera House: 617 Mulberry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Mercer University's Townsend School of Music

TUESDAY, November 25th

Soft Opening at Jolly Roger’s Milledgeville (10 a.m.)

Jolly Roger’s Pub & Song is holding an official soft opening on Tuesday. The venue invites patrons to stop by for "cold drinks, good vibes," and a first look at the pub's new location.

    > Jolly Roger’s Milledgeville: 2600 North Columbia Street, Milledgeville

MUSIC: Mike Clark Jr.’s Holiday Kickback Charity Concert at The Douglass Theatre (5:30-9 p.m.)

Musician Mike Clark Jr. is bringing holiday cheer to The Douglass Theatre with a focus on giving back. Clark will be joined with special guests The Big Stepper Band, J. Miles, and Michael Banks for this concert. Proceeds from this show will help provide food and gifts to local families in need, according to Clark. General admission tickets cost $20 online at this link.

    > The Douglass Theatre: 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon

WEDNESDAY, November 26th

Early Bird Special featuring HP’s Round Up at The Hummingbird (6 p.m.-1 a.m.)

The Hummingbird's annual "Early Bird Special" is a community potluck that invites guests to bring a dish to share. Dinner starts around 6 p.m. Then, once the food settles, the venue promises patrons will be "movin' & groovin' on the dance floor" to old-school Honky Tonk hits provided by HP's Round Up starting at 8 p.m. Early Bird Special is free to attend.

    > The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon

MUSIC: Belltower Karaoke at The Belltower (7-10 p.m.)

Whether you are a diva or a shower singer, The Belltower welcomes you for Belltower Karaoke on Wednesday. The venue prides itself on being an inclusive space where you can "sing if you want, relax if you don't." For those who are a bit shy, a private karaoke suite is available. The Belltower's Kava Bar opens at 5 p.m. Belltower Karaoke is free to attend.

    > The Belltower: 2371 Ingleside Avenue, Suite B, Macon

HOCKEY: Blackout Wednesday at the Macon Mayhem vs. Evansville Thunderbolts at the Macon Coliseum (7 p.m.)

Start the long holiday weekend with some hockey game excitement at the Macon Coliseum this Wednesday night. The Macon Mayhem present "Blackout Wednesday," where fans are encouraged to wear black as the Macon Mayhem face off against the Evansville Thunderbolts in a pre-Thanksgiving showdown. The team will be sporting specialty jerseys, and there will be a postgame skate. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. Tickets to see the Mayhem take on the Thunderbolts start at $17.35 online at this link.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

THURSDAY, November 27th

 - THANKSGIVING -

RUNNING: 2nd Annual Milledgeville Turkey Trot at the Oconee River Greenway (8:30 a.m.)

Burn off those calories before the big meal at the 2nd Annual Milledgeville Turkey Trot this Thursday. The Oconee River Greenway Foundation presents the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot. This race is a worthy adventure, whether you are a serious runner or just looking for a family-friendly start to the holiday, and includes a 5K, a 1 mile fun run, and a 400 Meter Tot Trot for runners 6 and younger. Packet Pickup takes place on Wednesday, November 26th from 12 to 6 p.m. at Oconee Outfitters, and on race day morning. Finishers receive medals, and overall 5K winners compete for cash prizes ($100 for 1st place).
Proceeds support the preservation and improvement of the Oconee River Greenway. Sign up for the 2nd Annual Milledgeville Turkey Trot online at this link.

    > Oconee River Greenway: 499 East Greene Street, Milledgeville

Graphic courtesy of Oconee River Greenway

Annual Thanksgiving Feeding at the Greater Turner Tabernacle AME Church (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Join the Greater Turner Tabernacle AME Church family in a "spirit of gratitude and community" on Thursday. Church members are offering a hot meal to those in need as a reminder of the season's blessings. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help prepare meals and "spread love to our neighbors." This Thanksgiving event is free to attend.

    > Greater Turner Tabernacle AME Church: 1104 3rd Street, Macon

Thanksgiving at Loom/ Hightales Rooftop Bar at Hotel Forty Five (11 a.m.-7 p.m./4-11 p.m.)

Hotel Forty Five is offering two ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Downtown Macon this year:

The hotel's restaurant Loom will be serving a family-style feast with a modern Southern twist. The menu features roasted turkey breast with cranberry chutney, herb-crusted salmon, pork tenderloin, and sides like maple bourbon candied yams. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online at this link.

Hotel Forty Five's Hightales Rooftop Bar will also be open with standard hours and a limited menu featuring crowd favorites like chicken wings, the Great American Burger, a grouper sandwich, and a simple salad with optional protein add-ons.

    > Hotel Forty Five: 401 Cotton Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Thanksgiving Thirsty Thursday featuring DJ Carlos Flores (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Once you’ve finished dinner (and any family arguments about politics and other explosive subjects), head downtown to kick back for The Hummingbird's Thanksgiving Thirsty Thursday. This post-Thanksgiving party features DJ Carlos Flores mixing beats all night. Drink specials include $2 domestics and $5 well liquor pitcher refills. Thanksgiving Thirsty Thursday is free for patrons 21 and older and $5 for ages 18 and older.

    > The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon

Did we miss an event you are excited about? Leave a comment below to let others know about other fun and interesting events taking place this week in Middle Georgia.